Well,the balloon fiesta is over. I made it one day with friends visiting from Colorado for the Special Shapes Mass Ascension (about 100 0f the them I would guess). It was a beautiful day!
After the special shapes,the other baloons (over 400 + of them) swooped down onto the balloon field for a contest. They have tall poles in the ground,and attached to the top of each pole is a major prize –from cars to a new balloon. It’s amazing to watch each balloonist maneuver their balloon down to the field,and try to get in line with a pole,all with using wind and their gas. I don’t know how they do it. Some balloons had 2 people in the gondola working to maneuver in,and others had just one.
The Albuquerque International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is just that,international. There were balloons from countries all around the world. It is said that this event is “the most photographed event in the world.” Come and join us sometime!
You can find my full gallery of pictures on my facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/home.php?ref=home
Close to the action
Close to the action
more balloons
getting ready to launch
almost ready to launch
One of my favorites
up,up and away!
Do you see Darth Vader?
some of the over 400 in the contest
